Request
Please can supply the following information . The location and who sits on the area prescribing committee.
Also the SHA and area policy on the procedures and processes for the introduction of new drugs,particulary high cost drugs
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of Area Prescribing Committees (APC).
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do not hold the information that you have requested.
However, Section 16 of the FOIA places a duty on us to provide help and assistance to the person making the request. I am therefore able to advise you that there are several APCs in East Midlands alone. Typically an APC will have representation from Medical Directors, Public Health, Clinicians (both Hospital and GP) and Commissioners from Primary Care Trust (PCT) and provider Trusts, together with secretariat and a patient / public representative, and / or non-executive member. If you want more specific detail then I suggest you contact the relevant host Primary Care Trust. The link below will enable you to contact East Midlands PCTs.
http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/the-local-nhs/nhs-organisations
In terms of policy for introduction of high cost drugs, then this is largely managed through East Midlands Specialist Commissioning Group, although PCTs do commission some drugs directly. Please contact East Midlands Specialist Commissioning group for further information. A link to the website is attached below:-
http://www.emscg.nhs.uk/
Many Area Prescribing Committees are reviewing their terms of reference and processes in light of the NHS Constitution to ensure these are transparent and rational. The National Prescribing Centre is leading this work and has developed resources and a toolkit ‘Supporting Rational Decision Making about medicines (and treatments) – a handbook of good practice guidance’ (published in March). See http://www.npc.co.uk/policy/local/support_tools.htm
I hope that this information is of use to you. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can ask us to review our decision by writing to:-
Mr Kevin Orford
Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance
NHS East Midlands
Octavia House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5QG
If at the conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted at:-
The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
